This pristine fjord is located in Alaska’s south-eastern strip, a region sometimes referred to as The Panhandle, and certainly known for its photogenic landscape.

Endicott Arm port guide

Sparkling still waters. Majestic mountains. Soaring eagles. All these and more are sights that await at Endicott Arm. Enjoy scenes of extraordinary natural beauty as your Cunard Queen sails along this 30-mile stretch of glasslike water, at the end of the Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness.

As a cruise-by port, there is no port to call in at and explore as such. Instead, treasure time spent simply soaking up the surroundings, in this part of the world that’s truly like no other.

Top landmarks and sights in Endicott Arm

During this part of your voyage, every view has to be seen to be believed. As you make your way down the fjord, you’ll soon be face to face with sheer granite cliffs, picturesque waterfalls, and impressive icebergs. At the end of the waterway, you’ll reach Dawes Glacier. Upon approach, gaze in awe at the otherworldly scene that brings visions of bright blues and ice whites against a backdrop of looming mountains.

Aside from the postcard-worthy scenery, the wildlife at Endicott Arm brings yet more memorable sights to savour. Cast your eyes shoreside, and to icebergs, to spot lounging harbour seals. Watch the bravest of mountain goats as they scale the cliff side without a shred of doubt. Further in land, you could be lucky enough to see brown bears, wolves, deer, and moose, and overhead, keep an eye out for soaring bald eagles. Then, of course, there’s the wildlife that calls these waters home – perhaps you’ll be treated to a view of a humpback whale or two?

Things to do in Endicott Arm

An ideal way to spend your time at Endicott Arm, especially if you’re in need of a little rest and relaxation, is to simply find your ideal spot on deck and soak it all in. Cosy up with a blanket and perhaps treat yourself to a hot chocolate – or even a hot toddy – and watch as you sail past some of the most unforgettable views you’ll ever see. Cruise-by destinations like this are a wonderful gift, in that there are no expectations whatsoever. There’s nowhere you should be, and nothing you should be doing, it’s all entirely up to you.

Whilst in Endicott Arm, perhaps you’d like to take note of all the wildlife you encounter along the way. Whether it’s the thought of bears and wolves on land that piques your interest, or the prospect of spotting a humpback whale not to far from your ship, this part of the world offers plenty of fascinating wildlife to see. Don’t forget to pack your binoculars to ensure you don’t miss a thing, and maybe even borrow a book from the library, to learn more about Alaska’s flora and fauna.

Endicott Arm culture and history

Endicott Arm was named as such in 1889, by US Naval Lieutenant Commander H.B. Mansfield. It was named after William Crowninshield Endicott, who was the US Secretary of War under President Cleveland.

At the northern end of Endicott Arm is Holkham Bay, which is the location of Sumdum Village. This is a historic Tlingit region, where these indigenous peoples once thrived. Sumdum is a former mining town, which is believed to have peaked in around the year 1900, with a population of almost 140 people, most of whom were Tlingit. The mine ceased to operate in 1903, however, and soon after much of the population dispersed.

Top tips for Endicott Arm

Weather.

The warmest months in Endicott Arm are June, July, and August, when temperatures reach highs of around 17 degrees Celsius. The coldest months, on the other hand, are December to February, when highs reach around 3 degrees Celsius, and lows of roughly -3. This part of the world tends to see rain throughout the year, but the driest period is February to August.